Assistance is his mission Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Kuya Bong” Go inherited the charisma of his boss, President Rodrigo Duterte, with the people as he embarks on a quest to help more Filipinos through a Senate post. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO">Assistance is his mission Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Kuya Bong” Go inherited the charisma of his boss, President Rodrigo Duterte, with the people as he embarks on a quest to help more Filipinos through a Senate post. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Defying great odds, including being in the Senate race for the first time, former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Kuya Bong” Go barged into the coveted Magic 12 in the 2019 senatorial race, landing in the fifth to sixth place, based on a Social Weather Stations (SWS) pre-poll survey conducted from 23 to 26 January.

Go achieved a phenomenal jump from 15th to 16th ranking in the December 2018 SWS survey to secure a strong place in the middle of the winning circle, tied with reelectionist Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara.

Go expressed elation over the public’s trust and confidence in his capability to serve the nation as a legislator as he vowed to work even harder to present his advocacies to the Filipino people.

The trusted aide of President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to add to the short roster of Mindanao representation in the Senate.

He is known to be one of the hardest working persons in government. As Duterte’s adjutant for 21 years since the President was Davao City mayor, Go made sure he completes the tasks given to him, even if it meant working past beyond bedtime.

Davao City residents remember how at the height of the flash flood on 22 December 2017, Go came out of nowhere on a Jet Ski to rescue individuals trapped by rising water. He was also one of the first to comfort the relatives of the victims of the NCCC Mall fire that happened a few days after.

Secret weapon Boyish smile counts among former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Kuya Bong” Go’s winning allure. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Source of inspiration

“It is heartwarming to know that people trust my capability and dedication to render service to our nation. Public support serves as my inspiration to work harder in bringing to the people all the necessary programs for the welfare and progress of each Filipino,” Go said.

“I would like to change the belief that a simple man from the province who works as a lowly staff will not have a chance to serve the public. Those who are not movie personalities or those who did not come from political families should also be given the chance to dream of giving public service in a substantial capacity,” he added.

He also thanked his mentor, Mr. Duterte, for endorsing his candidacy.

In his recent sorties, the President has vouched for the character and integrity of his former top aide, stressing that Go is an “extremely honest” man and a dedicated public servant.

“The endorsement of President Digong whom I served for 21 years had a big bearing and is looked up to by the people since he is the best person to know my personality. Thank you very much, President Duterte. It only proves the wellspring of public support on the changes that the President had initiated,” Go said.

However, he stressed his recent rise in the survey means he should work harder and continue the service he is doing.

“This means that we have to double our effort in our desire to help our countrymen. I will visit the remotest part of the country just to ensure that help will reach those who most needed it,” he said.

“Like what I have promised, I will continue to be the bridge to the President. But I would also offer myself as the people’s conduit for real change to improve the welfare of every Filipino,” he added.

Go’s surge in the rating of senatorial candidates came with just more than a week to go before the start of the campaign period for national candidates in the 2019 midterm elections.

Retaining the lead position in the SWS survey is Sen. Grace Poe, followed by Sen. Cynthia Villar in second place, former Sen. Lito Lapid in third place and Rep. Pia Cayetano in fourth.

Sen. Nancy Binay is in seventh place, while former senators Mar Roxas and Bong Revilla are tied in the 8th-9th place.

Completing the Magic 12 are Sen. Koko Pimentel (10th), Sen. Bam Aquino (11th) and former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada (12th).

In running for the Senate, Go’s legislative agenda puts high priority for improved delivery of health services, including the institutionalization of Malasakit Centers in all provinces and urban centers of the country.

A Malasakit Center brings together in one room all concerned government agencies, such as the DoH, DSWD, PAGCOR, PCSO and PhilHealth to make it easier and faster for poor patients to avail themselves of medical and financial assistance from the government.

Go’s legislative agenda also includes programs on agriculture, anti-illegal drugs and criminality, education, housing, long-term sports development, anti-corruption, fire protection and prevention, localized peace talks, creation of a Department of OFW, barangay welfare and improved benefits for senior citizens.

Malacañang, meanwhile, extended its well wishes to former spokesman Harry Roque following his decision to withdraw from the senatorial race in the May midterm polls due to health reasons.

Roque announced via his official social media accounts that he is dropping his Senate bid after undergoing a percutaneous coronary intervention, a non-surgical procedure, to correct an “unstable angina coronary disease.” It is a condition where the heart does not get enough oxygen and blood and, if left untreated, could trigger a fatal attack.

“I understand, from what I gathered, he’s sick. He has some health concerns and I am sad to hear that,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo told reporters.

Panelo, who took over Roque’s duties after he resigned from his post to file his candidacy last October, said the former mouthpiece’s change of mind was a “very good decision.”

“What good will having a position do to you if you’re sick? Health before anything else,” the official said.

Roque shared that he will take his time off from politics to rest and reflect on his next steps in public service.

The human rights lawyer and former congressman also said he is not closing his doors in serving the people “as a legislator, or in whatever other capacity” and that he will continue to support President Duterte and his administration.

Whether or not Roque will be given another position in the Cabinet, Panelo said, “is all up to the President.”